Apparatus and method for changing the behavior of a computer program while retaining control of program execution

A method for modifying the operation of a computer-controlled testing system by a user, comprising the steps of:

• (a) displaying, when the testing system is in a stable state, a plurality of parameters associated with the operation of the testing system, wherein said step of displaying is controlled by an interface module;
• (b) checking an authorization level of the user;
• (c) allowing the user, based on said authorization level, to select one or more of said parameters;
• (d) entering a value for said selected parameter by the user;
• (e) communicating said value from said interface module to the testing system;
• and
• (f) modifying the operation of the testing system based on said value.

A method for modifying an execution sequence of a test program executing on a computer controlling a testing system, comprising the steps of:

• (a) communicating a flag query from the test program to an interface module during a stable state of the lest program, said flag query indicating a present flag value, wherein said interface module generates a user interface displaying said flag query;
• (b) checking an authorization level of a user;
• (c) responding to said flag query by setting a new flag value if said user is authorized to specify said new flag value, and communicating said new flag value to said interface module;
• (d) communicating said new flag value from said interface module to the test program;
• and
• (e) selecting, based on said new flag value, a next execution sequence to be executed by the test program, wherein the test program retains control of program execution.